Lucent Announces Major New Contracts in Asia Pac

At the opening of the CommunicAsia show in Singapore, Lucent Technologies announced major new contracts and alliances in the Asia Pacific region. The company is showcasing its IMS and convergence architecture, next-generation access and transport solutions, mobility solutions and IPTV. Its recent successes include:


China

• Two wireless network optimization contracts were awarded to Lucent Worldwide Services (LWS) by Tibet Mobile a subsidiary of China Mobile for its GSM network and Inner Mongolia Unicom a subsidiary of China Unicom for its CDMA network



• Zhongshan Telecom and Zhuhai Telecom, two local branch companies of Guangdong Telecom, a provincial subsidiary of China Telecom each signed contracts. Lucent will supply a range of optical equipment including LambdaUnite Multi-Service Switch (MSS) and the Metropolis ADM MultiService Mux.

Japan

• Heisei DenDen (HDD) in Japan selected Lucent to upgrade its metro-area network with 10G based optical systems. Heisei DenDen, a leading provider of ADSL and the discount fixed telephone service, will use Lucent's optical networking products.



• eAccess Ltd. and Lucent today announced that the two companies have completed successful High-Speed Downlink Packet Access data calls as part of a 3G Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) network trial announced earlier this year. Following these successful tests, the two companies plan to conduct a field trial in commercial and residential areas of Tokyo in the coming months.

Korea

• Lucent will supply its VoIP Solution for Enterprises to enable Dacom, one of Korea's leading service providers, to build enhanced, cost-effective IP networks for Korea's Military Mutual Aid Association (MMAA), further boosting Dacom's leadership in the VoIP market in Korea.



• Dreamline, one of South Korea's leading broadband Internet service
  providers, will build a nationwide optical network using Lucent's next-gen SONET systems to offer video distribution and cable TV services to its customers. Lucent's Metropolis DMX Access Multiplexer and the Metropolis DMXtend Access Multiplexer will be deployed.

New Zealand

• Expansion agreement with Telecom New Zealand (Telecom) for its 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) network. The EV-DO network -- the fastest mobile data network in New Zealand -- will enable Telecom to provide subscribers in every main city and town in New Zealand with new, high-speed mobile data services before Christmas.

Southeast Asia

• Vietnam Power Telecom (VP Telecom) selected Lucent for its phase II CDMA450 network expansion project. Lucent will supply VP Telecom with equipment and integration services to provide high-quality voice and high-speed data services for most provinces in northern Vietnam.

Global Alliances & Relationships

• An exclusive teaming agreement between Beyond Security Ltd. and LWS to provide a new automated vulnerability detection service (AVDS) to service providers worldwide using Beyond Security's automated scanning server products. LWS plans to market and sell Beyond Security's AVDS to its customers worldwide as a new security assessment and vulnerability service.



• Aqsacom, a supplier of lawful interception solutions in Asia, signed a teaming agreement with Lucent. LWS will work with Aqsacom as the prime network integrator for new opportunities in the region, including design, deployment, integration and maintenance services for lawful interception, fraud management, attack detection, user location and law enforcement support for Aqsacom's Lawful Interception System (ALIS), a mediation platform for real time lawful interception operations.



• Collaboration with Polycom on the delivery of IP-based voice and video conferencing and collaboration solutions and services for wireline and converged networks. Under the agreements, Lucent will resell Polycom's SIP desktop and SoundStation IP conference phones as part of its VoIP offerings for enterprises and service providers.

http://www.lucent.com/

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Lucent Partners with ORCA on IPTV

Lucent Technologies announced a strategic alliance with Orca Interactive, which supplies an IPTV middleware solution. Under the multi-year agreement the companies are also collaborating on joint development to enhance service providers' ability to address the quality and control issues associated with deploying IPTV.
http://www.lucent.com
http://www.orcainteractive.com

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MCI Rolls Out Business VoIP in Europe

MCI has begun its European roll-out of MCI Advantage, its portfolio of IP-based services designed for companies wanting to converge their voice and data networks. MCI Advantage, which includes networked VoIP and Hosted IP telephony, will be introduced throughout the next year. The initial offering, MCI Advantage IP Integrated Access, is now available in the UK and will soon be available in France, Germany and the Netherlands.
http://www.mci.com

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MPEG-4 HD over ADSL2+ Showcased at French Open

Alcatel, Broadcom, France Telecom and TANDBERG collaborated on an HDTV over ADSL2+ technology demonstration that took place earlier this month at the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros Stadium in France.


The demonstration, which was orchestrated by France Telecom, incorporated the Broadcom BCM97398 IP set-top box reference design. The BCM97398 features an MPEG-4 HD AVC video decoder/audio processor chip and BCM7038 dual channel HD and personal video recorder chip. http://www.broadcom.com

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Amdocs' Telecom Software Scales Past 65 Million Users

Amdocs, HP and Sun Microsystems successfully completed the industry's largest scalability test for telecommunications providers with Amdocs' systems. The test was conducted in a production like environment of 65 million subscribers using production code, generating 3.5 million database transactions per hour across the full Amdocs platform.


Amdocs said the testing methodology emulated real-world usage of its platforms, using fully operational, customer-specific code of the software. The software tested supported as many as 72,000 concurrent online users operating Amdocs CRM (20,000), Ordering (14,000), Self Service (14,000) and Billing Customer Management (24,000) running in parallel with a total of 2 million subscribers in a single billing cycle.


In addition to its expertise in business support systems (BSS), HP provided servers and storage arrays that enabled the scalability of the Amdocs systems and backend databases. Specific products included HP Superdome servers, HP9000 rp8420 servers, HP BladeSystem servers, and HP StorageWorks XP12000 storage arrays. HP also contributed the use of the HP Solution Center in Houston, TX, where the benchmark was conducted. The test facility was managed by HP.


Sun Microsystems supplied its high and mid range servers, including E6900s, V480s, and the Java Enterprise System to support front-end web applications such as CRM, Self Service and Order Management.


For these scalability tests, Amdocs also partnered with Cisco Systems, BEA Systems, Oracle and Array Networks.
http://www.amdocs.com

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LSI Logic Hires Intel Exec for Worldwide Strategic Planning

LSI Logic named Jeff Richardson executive vice president, Worldwide Strategic Planning. Previously, Richardson was vice president of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group and general manager of Intel's Server Platform Group. He led the organization charged with developing, marketing and supporting Intel's server microprocessors, server chipsets, wired networking components, as well as the company's server OEM/channel board and systems business.
http://www.lsilogic.com

• In May 2005, LSI Logic appointed Abhi Y. Talwalkar as its president and CEO, succeeding Wilfred J. Corrigan, LSI Logic's founder. Talwalkar, 41, joins LSI Logic from Intel, where he served as vice president and co-general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, which is comprised of Intel's Business Client, Server, Storage and Communications businesses.

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Nokia and OnRelay Collaborate on Mobile Deskphone

Nokia will market a "mobile deskphone" solution from OnRelay, a UK-based developer of fixed mobile convergence solutions, that integrates a corporate voice system (PBX) and all its surrounding business support systems with employees' 3G/GSM smartphones.


OnRelay's MBX is a pure software solution that integrates with mobile devices based on open systems such as Nokia Series 60. It works over any mobile network in any country, is functional when roaming, and integrates into both IP and TDM PBXs from leading vendors such as Nortel, Cisco, Avaya and Siemens.


MBX adds a second phone, the office phone, to the mobile phone, allowing corporate users to place and receive calls from both their personal mobile number and their corporate office number using a single integrated mobile device. Business users can choose to place a call either via their personal mobile phone or their office phone.


With MBX, both outgoing and incoming business calls look to customers - and to internal IT systems - as having been placed/received on the actual desk phone. MBX also enables separate management and billing of personal and business calls, whereby for instance flexible workers can turn 'off' their office phone, while leaving the personal mobile phone turned on. Importantly for the end-user, all of this is managed on the mobile phone user interface itself and there is no need to configure the service from a PC. Because MBX can extend all PBX functionality to a mobile phone, MBX can also function as a complete deskphone replacement, such that the mobile phone becomes the employee's only PBX extension, without loss of function or bypass of any corporate call management capabilities.


Further features of MBX include: voice recording system integration for recording both mobile outgoing and incoming calls, true caller ID and caller name for incoming calls routed via the PBX, ad-hoc PBX conferencing and no reduction of functionality when roaming. MBX also integrates with the corporate directory (LDAP) and allows click-to-dial directory lookup on the mobile. MBX further adds presence information so you can see the status and location of colleagues.
http://www.nokia.com
http://www.onrelay.com/

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ZigBee Specification to be Released

The ZigBee Alliance, which promotes wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standard, announced plans for the public availability of the ZigBee specification. Beginning in late-June, universities, research institutions, companies and individuals will be able to access the specification and develop applications for ZigBee-based technology for non-commercial purposes. The specification will be available to download in a read-only format, free of charge, after registering through the ZigBee Web site.
http://www.zigbee.org

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Intel Established US$200 million China Technology Fund

Intel is establishing a US$200 million China Technology Fund aimed at stimulating innovative start-ups developing hardware, software and services. Intel focuses on making minority equity investments in support of its strategic interests.


Intel Capital, which has investment managers based in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, made its first strategic investment China in 1998 and since then has invested in close to 50 Chinese companies across nine cities in mainland China and Hong Kong. Eleven of these companies have since gone public or have been acquired, including AsiaInfo Holdings Inc., a telecom software supplier; Chinacast Communications Holding Ltd., a total solution service provider for remote education; Sohu.com, an Internet portal; Techfaith Holdings Ltd., an independent cell phone design house; and UTStarcom.


Notable examples of current Intel Capital investments in China include BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd., an analog power integrated circuit design and manufacturing company; Comlent Holdings Inc., a radio frequency chip maker; HiSoft Technology International Ltd., a software outsourcing company; Maipu Holdings Ltd., a router and data communications company; and Pollex Mobile Holdings, a cellular phone software applications provider.


Intel marked its 20th anniversary in China, noting that it now has 5,000 employees in the country.
http://www.intel.com

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Supreme Court Turns Down Review of FCC Media Ownership Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court decided to deny a request to review the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the FCC's media ownership rules.


In June 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia overturned loosened media ownership rules adopted by the FCC in June 2003. The decision was seen as a blow to then FCC Chairman Michael Powell and large broadcasters. The FCC rules, adopted in 2003, sought to allow large media companies to exceed the previous 35% market penetration cap by acquiring additional local stations.


FCC Commissioner Michael K. Copps, who opposed the agency's earlier action, welcomed the decision:


"The ball is clearly back in the Commission's court. The FCC has a fresh opportunity now to come up with a set of rules to encourage localism, competition, and diversity in our media. If we work together, conduct outreach to engage the American people, and gather a more complete record, I am confident of our ability to craft rules that will withstand judicial scrutiny and the scrutiny of the American people. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with my colleagues to get the job done."http://www.fcc.gov

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Global Crossing and VeriSign to Offer Managed Security Services

Global Crossing will offer VeriSign's advanced security solutions to its business and government customers worldwide.


Available today, Global Crossing Managed Security Services provide proactive monitoring and management of firewall and intrusion detection systems, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Additional features, including managed vulnerability alerts, incident response/forensics, phishing response, e-mail security and consulting, will be available over the coming months, creating a comprehensive security solution for enterprise and government customers.

http://www.globalcrossing.com
http://www.verisign.com

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Microsoft Selects Aruba for Corporate WLAN

Aruba Networks was selected by Microsoft to provide next-generation networking equipment for its corporate network -- what is considered to be one of the world's largest WLANs serving over 25,000 simultaneous users each day across more than 60 countries around the world. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Microsoft's new WLAN will cover 277 buildings covering more than 17 million square feet. It will include Aruba mobility controllers, mobility software and some 5,000 ultra-thin Aruba wireless access points.


Aruba said the next-generation wireless LAN would help Microsoft reduce, by two orders of magnitude, the amount of equipment needed to be managed. The new infrastructure will also eliminate the need for Microsoft to deploy separate overlay networks for voice-over-wireless, guest services, RF security and wireless location services.

http://www.arubanetworks.com/

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SIRIUS Implements Hierarchical Modulation to Boost Capacity

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will implement a proprietary hierarchical modulation to increase the total network capacity of its satellite media delivery network by approximately 25%. The technology will allow SIRIUS to offer additional audio channels, as well as advanced services such as data and video, without affecting the quality of its broadcasts.


The modulation technology, developed by SIRIUS' Advanced Development Team based in Lawrenceville, NJ, will work over SIRIUS' current network, with minimal upgrades to its satellite uplink and terrestrial repeater infrastructure. SIRIUS is currently working with its silicon partners to integrate the modulation into its chipsets. The company said it has confirmed the performance of the technology in several tests.


SIRIUS said the new modulation technology will not impact the customer experience of existing SIRIUS radios sold or currently on the market. Future SIRIUS radios will be outfitted with the new technology, making it possible for them to receive the additional services planned.


"Our new modulation technology will use a very innovative approach to increase the number of bits we transmit through our satellite and terrestrial repeater networks, enabling us to increase the effective use of our currently licensed spectrum to add additional programming for the benefit of our subscribers," said Jim Meyer, SIRIUS President, Sales and Operations.


The company expects to begin offering services using the new technology in the second-half of 2006.
http://www.sirius.com/

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Vonage and Linksys Offer Free Wi-Fi Router with Trade-in

Vonage and Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, kicked off a promotion whereby customers can trade in their used router -- any brand, any model -- for a Linksys Wireless-G Router with 2 Phone Ports for free (after rebates), when they sign up for Vonage's broadband phone service. The offer is available in the U.S. only through select retail and e-commerce stores and runs through July 23, 2005. Vonage charges $24.99 per month for unlimited calls throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.


Since 2000, Linksys has shipped more than 15 million routers worldwide.

http://www.vonage.com
http://www.linksys.com

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Sea Launch Readies Intelsat Americas-8

Sea Launch has left port and is preparing to launch the Intelsat Americas-8 (IA-8) tri-band communications satellite on June 23. The Space Systems/Loral-built IA-8 satellite carries 28 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, as well as 24 Ka-band spot beams and will have total end-of-life power of 16 Kw -- making it one of the most powerful communications satellites to date.


IA-8 will be the fifth Intelsat satellite in the North American arc and the 28th satellite in Intelsat's global fleet. This mission is Sea Launch's fifth launch for Loral and the first for Intelsat.
http://www.sea-launch.com/

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JDSU Names COO

JDS Uniphase named David Vellequette to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer. Mr. Vellequette has been JDS Uniphase's acting senior financial officer since February 2005. Before joining JDSU, he served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service Operations at Openwave Systems. Before that, Vellequette served as Cisco Systems' Vice President of Finance supporting the multi- billion dollar service provider line of business. http://www.jdsu.com

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ARRIS to Supply CMTS for Hanaro Telecom

ARRIS announced a major new contract to supply Korea's Hanaro Telecom with ARRIS Cadant C4 Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) as part of Hanaro's next-generation large capacity CMTS upgrade. The contract was won by CommVerge Solutions , ARRIS' Korean Value-Added Reseller (VAR. ARRIS expects that deliveries of the Cadant C4 will be made over a three-year period. Hanaro Telecom is Korea's second-largest broadband telecommunications provider, with total subscribers of 2.8 million.
http://www.arrisi.com/http://www.commverge.com/

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SOMA Raises $50 Million for WiMAX / HSDPA Platform

SOMA Networks, a start-up based in San Francisco, secured $50 million in late-stage funding for its broadband wireless platform that is capable of supporting both WiMAX and HSDPA standards. SOMA said the key advantages of the its solution include a large cell size for quick and inexpensive market entry, multi-megabit data rates, voice capabilities, non-line-of-sight access enabling self-installation of its "SOMAport" wireless broadband gateway with subscriber self-activation of services.


SOMA's system consists of SOMA's SoftAir platform, the SOMA macro base station, and the SOMAport subscriber terminal. Both the macro base station and the subscriber terminal leverage general-purpose computing power, giving flexibility and application control to the network. The company says its macro base station serves a typical cell radius of three to five miles in metropolitan deployments and upwards of ten miles in less dense environments, without requiring line-of-sight antenna visibility, and supports thousands of subscribers at a peak data rate of 12 Mbps per user. The base station is configurable up to six sectors in high-availability radio configuration supporting 1:1 frequency reuse. SOMA leverages high-performance Linear Power Amplifier and Low Noise Amplifier subsystems drive redundant main and diversity antennas.


The new funding round was ld by financial investors Temasek Holdings Pte. Ltd. (Temasek), and Morgan Stanley Venture Partners, and included participation from NeoCarta Ventures, Inc., and Endeavour Investments Limited. This round of $35 million complements $15 million of strategic financing SOMA Networks closed in late 2004.
http://www.somanetworks.com/

• Over the past six years, SOMA Networks has raised more than $120 million from institutions such as Allen & Co., Inc., Angel Investors, L.P., Mizuho, Sharp Corporation, Signal Lake Venture Fund, LLP, and Technology Gateway Partnership, L.P., and from individual investors, including Ben Rosen, co-founder of Compaq Computer Corp.



• SOMA Networks was founded by Yatish Pathak, who previously served in in Cellular Infrastructure Division of Lucent Technologies/Bell Laboratories.

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Centillium Offers Integrated VoIP/ADLS Chip

Centillium Communications has expanded its Palladia 400 family of chipsets to include an integrated VoIP solution for the ADSL market. The Palladia 400-2P includes two voice channels and is created for home gateway applications, while the Palladia 400-4P with four channels of voice is optimized for high-end enterprises. Centillium's field-tested architecture combines an ADSL2/2+/2++ modem, a high-performance 200MHz network processor, a 200MHz dedicated voice DSP, two RMII and a USB port plus a PCI interface which supports all of the new wireless technologies -- including 802.11g and 802.11n -- in one complete, cost-effective package. The Palladia 400 series delivers up to 50 Mbps downstream and 5.5 Mbps upstream.


In addition, the Palladia 400's network processor seamlessly executes various routing and security protocol stacks while the DSP controls voice compression, VAD, CNG, DTMF generation and extra voice processing activities. The architecture is maximized for a variety of ADSL2/2+/2++ CPE and CO applications, including integrated access devices, set-top boxes and media gateways for the delivery of value-added content serviceshttp://www.centillium.com

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